September 2002
Derbyshire's police helicopter | |
|  | | The helicopter in flight |
| | One of the most recent innovations in police work is the introduction of helicopters for forces around the country.
We take a look at Derbyshire Constabulary's helicopter to find out more... |
| | | April 2nd 1998 was a landmark in the history of the police in Derbyshire as it marked the arrival of the force's first ever helicopter.
The craft had been bought through a consortium of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Constabularies and was billed as a big step forward for the fight against crime in both counties.
In the four years since then the helicopter has been used 11,000 times - a total of 800 hours flying time.
And the project has been a resounding success, as the helicopter unit manager, Inspector John Jameson testifies.
He says: "In the last four years, the helicopter has been involved in 2,000 arrests - 800 of which came as a direct result of the helicopter being used."
The helicopter is used for serious crimes like burglaries and robberies where there is good chance of containment, ie the suspect is still close to the scene of the crime.
| "In the last four years, the helicopter has been involved in 2,000 arrests - 800 of which came as a direct result of the helicopter being used." | | John Jameson, unit manager |
On board the craft is a myriad of equipment including a thermal imaging camera, TV quality camera and a moving map.
As for personnel, there are three regular pilots who are contracted in - all of whom are vastly experienced at flying military aircraft.
Also on hand is a dedicated team of police officers who monitor the on-board equipment and maintain contact with police on the ground.
The helicopter flies at a height of 500-1000 ft but can come down as low as 300ft.
The helicopter unit is based in Ripley and the crew decides when the helicopter is needed by monitoring the computer system and listening intently to police calls from the various control rooms.
The helicopter will then take off and police on board will liaise with units on the ground whilst the craft is en route to the crime scene.
So will the success of this initial project lead to the arrival of more helicopters in the future?
John Jameson explains: "There are 35 police helicopters in operation around the country - there are only five forces without their own.
"We've put a bid into the Home Office to upgrade in 2004 - with Lincolnshire, who don't have their own craft - perhaps buying this helicopter off us."
More Cracking Crime content here. | | | |
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